Department of Health

 

               A Taste of Something Different

National Nutrition Month (NNM) kicked off on Friday, March 9^th with a tantalizing and tasty midday snack for City employees in the Abrams building. As the aromas of the chilies traveled through the building, more and more employees followed their noses to the first floor conference room where the event was held. Participants had the opportunity to taste four different, healthy chilies including: White Bean and Chicken Chili, Corn & Black Bean Chili with Beef, Kevin Huntspon's White Bean Turkey Chili, and Lentil (vegan) Chili. The mix of chilies offered hungry participants different flavors, textures, and aromas to satisfy their taste buds and provide some healthy nutrients.

With the support of the Bureau of Women, Children, and Adolescent Health and Environmental Services, Nutrition Services put on a successful chili tasting event. At least 45 City employees tasted and rated the flavors of the different chili recipes. The favorite of the day was Kevin Huntspon's White Bean Turkey Chili (see recipe below). The spices, flavors, and multitude of colors seemed to be the winning combination for tasters.

 The tasting was free and culminated with a few raffle prizes in honor of National Nutrition Month. NNM is hosted annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics "to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits."  Free NNM goodies were given away to chili tasters.

In the spirit of the 2012 NNM motto "Get your Plate in Shape," Nutrition Services urged all chili tasters to "help build a plate for someone in need" by donating non-perishable food items. The canned food drive ran throughout March; all donated items will be delivered to Operation Food Search (http://www.operationfoodsearch.org/).

Thank you to everyone who helped and participated in this chili tasting event!

 Kevin's White Bean Turkey Chili

Yield (Number of Total Servings): ~ 8-10 Serving Size: 1 Cup

3	Cup Ground Turkey Breast	1	Tbsp. Low Sodium Chicken Base
2	Tbsp. Chili Powder	1	Tbsp. Ancho Chili Powder
3	Medium Size Green Peppers- diced	1	Tbsp. Onion Powder
1	Bunch of Cilantro chopped fine	½	Cup Chopped Fresh Garlic
2	12 oz. Cans of Diced Tomatoes	¾	Gal. water
2	Medium Size Yellow Onions- diced	2	Tbsp. Garlic Powder
2	Tbsp. Cumin	2	Tbsp. Jerk Paste
½	Tbsp. Red Pepper Flakes	1	Tbsp.Sea Salt
1	Tbsp. Black Pepper	2	16 oz. cans Great Northern Beans

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Directions:

1. Sauté green peppers and onion until translucent.      

2. Add turkey thighs, cook until golden brown.

3. Add all dry seasonings and continue to cook.

4. Add diced tomatoes, cilantro, cooked beans and water.

5. Continue to cook on medium flame for ~ 1 ½ hours.

 

Department of Health

City of St. Louis